A question asked yesterday was, "How can a christian live in this world without feeling like you have to conform to certain things that are not of God?"

There seems to always be a pull towards a worldly life.  The reality is, if sin wasn't any fun - nobody would do it.  In fact, its "reward" is short-lived when compared to eternal LIFE.  The world offers immediate fulfillment and so does a credit card.  Sadly, once you start in debt it is really hard to get out of it.  What keeps me focused is that I hate displeasing God more than I like pleasing myself.

A "feeling" is like a temptation.  Temptation is not a sin even though it is a desire (James 1:13-15).  Jesus, Himself, was tempted to sin (Matthew 4; Luke 4).  What did Jesus do when He was tempted?  Well, He said, "It is written" (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).  Jesus knew the Word of God.  He relied on Scripture to guide Him.  He didn't rely on His own "feelings" or His strength.  He relied on the Heavenly Father during times when He "felt" temptations/feelings to conform to the world; i.e., His own desires.

I encourage you to study the Word of God, live the lifestyle of Christ, pray, and study again.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves